Though there are not many hard scientific facts explaining why women have food cravings, some doctors perceive these habits to be psychological. Yea right, you might because the very thought of eating egg salad grossed you out pre-pregnancy but now you can't live without it! So what gives? Studies have shown that food cravings are associated with the increase of hormones in a pregnant woman's body.
Satisfying your cravings is a must, but how much should you satisfy? Experts say that is best to first focus on a healthy diet and then work in those extra snacks or "naughty" foods that you might be craving. Obviously, you should eat whatever tastes good to you, but stay away from items that could cause a more serious condition called "pica" which is the urge to eat non-nutrive substances like dirt or chalk. Don't laugh, there is evidence that bizarre cravings such as can increase when you are pregnant.
One last thing about pregnancy cravings- the foods you are craving during pregnancy will not necessarily become one of your child's favorites. Affinity towards foods are more like a self-fulfilling prophecy because if you condition your child to eat something often, the child might find comfort in that food similar to how you comfort yourself when indulging in one of the foods you are craving. However, while a fetus does develop a sense of taste in the womb, the food you eat has already been metabolized by the time it reaches the baby.
All this talk of food cravings might have you hungry for your next meal! Enjoy this time in pregnancy where you can seize the day and finally give in to those foods you might have felt guilty eating pre-preganncy. Just remember to eat healthily and not to go too overboard!
Enjoy your breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, snack and midnight snack this weekend!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas
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